Course coordinator
Dr David Pullar
Please contact me by email to arrange a time for consultation by Zoom or in person.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
This course develops computing skills in Geographical Information Systems for processing tasks and web mapping. It includes: i) basic skills in programming with the Python scripting language to automate GIS processing tasks and to develop analysis tools, and ii) interactive web mapping and apps for publishing on the Internet. The course provides a highly desired industry competency for GIS analysts.
Geographical information is best utilized when it is managed as a shared resource on the web. The course adopts a spatial data science approach to extract useful information from data forﾠurban and environmental applications. Students learn: i) principles for organising geospatial data and its subsequent exploration, visualisation and analysis, and ii) online accessﾠand publishing geospatial dataﾠto create engaging webmaps. You gain skills to combine data science tools, such as Python programming and web notebooks, with popular online GIS software packages such as ArcGIS, Google and open source GIS.
All the teaching resources are online and the course only requires reliable Internet access. Learning resources include lecture presentations (recorded on zoom), practical instructions to demonstrate exercises (recorded on Zoom), quizzes, links to web resources, facilitated discussion boards, etc. Students get the most out of this course when they reinforce lectures and practicals with self-study.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Note that a recommended pre-requisite is Theory & Practice in Science (SCIE1000) which introduces students to a broad range of computational concepts and tools; including computer programming (using theﾠPython language). While programming is not a deeply theoretical endeavour or difficult to do, it does require working with data and looking at problems in a logical way. Details will matter, and also ability to think abstractly at different levels about geographical information and its representation.ﾠSo the main background required is that students have worked with data and analysis methods (either GIS, statistics or programming).
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
GEOM2001 or GEOM2002, (SCIE1000 from 2020)
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
SCIE1000
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
GEOM7004 (co-taught)
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Demonstrator
Mr Su Zhou
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
To provide skills and knowledge on automating geospatial processing tasks and web mapping.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Code, Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Geospatial Data Processing
|
26% |
22/08/2025 4:00 pm |
| Computer Code, Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Geospatial Data Sources and Geoprocessing
|
32% |
26/09/2025 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project, Quiz |
Geospatial Web Mapping
|
12% |
10/10/2025 4:00 pm |
| Computer Code, Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Geospatial Project Report
|
30% |
24/10/2025 4:00 pm |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Geospatial Data Processing
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Computer Code, Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 26%
- Due date
22/08/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
Practical exercises that build skills and confidence in geospatial processing and computation. Covers weeks 1-4.
i) Quiz questions related to weekly lectures and readings. Marked on correct answer.
ii) Geoprocessing exercises related to practicals completed in a Python notebook file which is uploaded. Marked on criteria for programming practice and worked example.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets required.
Students need to store documentation for GIS tasks and retain a copy of submission.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Students are provided responsive feedback 14 days after submission, therefore extensions cannot exceed this limit.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Geospatial Data Sources and Geoprocessing
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Computer Code, Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 32%
- Due date
26/09/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
Practical exercises that build skills and confidence in solving geographical problems using geospatial data principles and processing. Covers weeks 5-8.
i) Quiz questions related to weekly lectures and readings. Marked on correct answer.
ii) Geoprocessing exercises related to practical's completed in a Python notebook file which is uploaded. Marked on criteria for programming practice and worked example.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets required.
Students need to store documentation for GIS tasks and retain a copy of submission.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Students are provided responsive feedback 14 days after submission, therefore extensions cannot exceed this limit.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Geospatial Web Mapping
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project, Quiz
- Weight
- 12%
- Due date
10/10/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
Practical exercises that build skills and confidence in solving geographical problems using geospatial data principles and processing. Covers weeks 5-8.
i) Quiz questions related to weekly lectures and readings. Marked on correct answer.
ii) Lab report on development of a multiscale web map. Marked on criteria for short answer and worked example.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets required.
Students need to store documentation for GIS tasks and retain a copy of submission.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Geospatial Project Report
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Computer Code, Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
24/10/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
Small project to solve a geographical inquiry-driven problem using geospatial data and analysis.
Options given to do project with a human or environmental focus. The expectation is that students select a specific issue and study area for their inquiry-driven investigation. The project is submitted as report following IMRaD structure and is accompanied with Python notebook file with worked analysis. Marked on criteria for structured answer, programming practice, and worked example.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets required.
Students need to store documentation for GIS tasks and retain a copy of submission.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdle
In order to pass this course, you must meet the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
You must obtain at least 50% or more of the available marks for the Geospatial Project Report.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3 you may be eligible for supplementary assessment.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
Supplementary assessment is not available if you have failed some components of this course. Please contact the Course Coordinator for information.
Supplementary assessment can take any form such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment. If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D): https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=184
Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/uq-policies-and-rules/requirements-medical-certificates
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
Course introduction and rationale What are the benefits of programming to support spatial data handling and analytics. Practical: Getting started with data analysis |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
Data and information How is data used in a meaningful way? How is it organised for analysis? Practical: Programming to clean and prepare analysis ready data |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Lecture |
Geospatial data in Python Geographic data in Python Practical: Python scripting to visualise and explore spatially related data. |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
Introduction to web mapping Architecture of the web for data storage and serving web outputs. Practical: Explore and publish online maps |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
Geoprocessing with feature data Geospatial processing for map exploration and describing spatial patterns Practical: Develop workflow to understand distance relationships between features |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
Geospatial data sources Describe types of geospatial data sources and their handling in applications. Also to understand the differences in geospatial data storage and access for query and update. Practical: Program interfaces for database query and update |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
Geoprocessing with raster data Use of arrays for underlying raster computations. Methods for working with large raster datasets and Earth imagery. Practical: Surface analysis on extracted raster data |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
Working with cloud-based geospatial data Online access and processing of raster data and satellite imagery. Practical: Workflow for extracting raster and imagery data from a national data repository |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
Web cartography Concepts for map generalisation and multiscale web maps. Practical: Create a multiscale webmap that illustrates geography viewed at different zoom levels. |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Workshop |
Review geospatial project No lecture, but practical will go ahead with a workshop Practical: Overview for geospatial project assessment and choice of a study area for an inquiry-driven geospatial investigation |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
Geospatial web services Standards and examples of geospatial web services Practical: Individual consultation on geospatial project; students expected to show data for study area and discuss their issue and approach for inquiry-driven investigation. |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
Web linked geospatial information Lecture presents future technology for geospatial data storage and organisation with knowledge graphs. Practical: Open session for geospatial projects |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Seminar |
Course wrap-up Summary and feedback on course. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.